Varicose veins of the legs is a pathology that causes thinning of the venous walls, deformation (dilation, elongation) of blood vessels, impaired blood flow. In the absence of timely therapy, the disease can lead to a number of complications, disability and death. The material below describes in detail the stages of varicose veins of the legs, their symptoms and clinical signs, as well as methods of treating the disease.
According to statistics, over 60% of women and about 50% of patients of the stronger sex suffer from varicose veins of the limbs of varying severity.
There are many triggers for the disease. Key factors include:
In addition to the above, significant factors are: the age of the person (the decrease in the elasticity of blood vessels is genetically determined by the aging process), the presence of bad habits.
Tight clothes, uncomfortable shoes with very high heels, regular weight lifting, taking hormonal drugs - all these reasons can also cause the described disease.
The signs of the disease vary depending on the degree of varicose veins, are determined by the location, the nature of the pathological changes in the vessels, the stage of severity of blood flow disorders.
Grade 1 varicose veins most often do not appear in the early stages of development. The slight discomfort that appears in the extremities mainly after exercise passes quickly enough - the patient only needs to rest for a while. Gradually, itching, pain and a feeling of satiety are added to the increased fatigue, heaviness in the legs and other unpleasant sensations arising from the pathological changes in the vessels.
Does the first stage of varicose veins develop in students? The answer is yes. The medical literature of recent decades describes the manifestation of pathologies that affect adolescents aged 16-17 years.
The increase in the intensity of the symptoms indicates the progression of the disease and its transition to the second phase. Swelling, spider veins begin to appear in the affected area. The clinical picture is complemented by hyperthermia, which has a local character, nocturnal cramps in the calf muscles. Grade 2 varicose veins are also characterized by a reduction in the frequency of symptoms after rest (prolonged).
Neglected forms of the disease in the third stage are characterized by the appearance of pain, swelling and convulsions of a permanent nature. The skin of the affected area begins to peel off, loses hair, becomes dry. The color changes to brown.
In the future there are ruptures of blood vessels, the appearance of trophic ulcers.
A phlebologist's examination is the first step in detecting varicose veins. For the final diagnosis, in addition to the mandatory tests, the doctor may prescribe:
Phlebography (X-ray contrast, three-dimensional computer), phleboscintigraphy are also used to obtain information in a number of situations. The listed methods are used in certain cases requiring additional surgical procedures.
According to the classification of the academician there are 3 stages (degrees) of varicose veins of the lower extremities - compensatory (1), subcompensatory (2) and decompensatory (3).
The first stage of varicose veins can develop over several years. The disease has no age or geographical restrictions: the disease is found in people of different countries, regardless of the age of the patients.
The symptoms that occur are often called symptoms of other diseases. It is impossible to determine the changes visually.
With the help of adequate therapy, the relief of the initial stage of varicose veins occurs in a relatively short time.
The length of the period can be several years (its duration depends on the lifestyle, type of activity and general well-being of the patient).
In varicose veins grade 2 there is a visually pronounced deformation of the vessels; specific symptoms begin to appear much more often and a decrease in their intensity requires prolonged rest.
The subcompensation phase is found in most patients who visit a doctor. With a timely visit to the clinic and performing all necessary manipulations, the development of complications is suppressed.
Varicose veins grade 3 in the absence of therapy causes the formation of eczema, trophic ulcers. The latter occur mainly on the inner surfaces of the legs (rarely on the back, above the ankles) and are characterized by an irregular shape, even bottom and the presence of purulent contents. They are located individually.
The walls of the vessels affected by the disease lose elasticity and strength and are often damaged. Ruptures are accompanied by bleeding, which rarely stops on its own.
In the third stage of varicose veins of the lower extremities, erysipelas may develop on the affected areas. The disease is aggravated by such complications as:
In stage 3 varicose veins, the changes begin to affect the whole body: there is a weakening of the immune system and the musculoskeletal system, probably alopecia.
The choice of treatment method depends on the phase of the pathological process. The neglected disease requires radical relief measures.
First-degree varicose veins are suppressed by the use of drugs, venotonics, creams, massage complex, sclerotherapy (injection of a special agent into the vein) and ozone therapy (strengthening of blood vessels). You can also use recipes from traditional medicine.
It is forbidden to use drugs, decoctions and herbal infusions alone (without consulting a doctor): accidental therapy will only worsen the condition.
Prescribed drugs:
The dosage is calculated individually, depending on the patient's condition.
Among the auxiliary methods of conservative therapy for varicose veins is the use of medical knitwear (socks, tights, golf) and elastic bandages.
The use of the latter prevents the development of deformation, helps to reduce the load on the vessels of the affected area when walking. They are superimposed after sleep (at night), lying down; worn all day. Shot only in the evening, before a break.
Compression garments improve blood circulation and maintain weakened vascular walls.
Cool foot baths can be used at home to reduce fatigue and discomfort.
The principles of drug treatment of grade 2 varicose veins are similar to the first phase of the disease. It includes the use of antithrombotic agents, venotonics and the wearing of compression underwear.
Among the popular medications that reduce puffiness are ointments and liniment.
Surgical manipulations include radiofrequency therapy, laser coagulation. The first of these methods allows you to remove the vascular pattern, used if there is a history of asthma, ischemia and other serious diseases.
Radiofrequency deletion under ultrasound control is performed in case of damage to the trunks of large, small saphenous veins, helps to remove varicose nodes.
The main recipe for traditional medicine is the application of compresses using blue clay. To obtain a healing mixture of 2 tablespoons of sedimentary rock is grown in 1 cup of water. The resulting substance is applied to damaged areas, fixed with a napkin. The affected area is additionally wrapped with a warm towel. The minimum therapy time is two hours.
Surgical procedures are involved in the treatment of grade 3 varicose veins. Among them - phlebectomy (removal of the affected vessel), used in the presence of ulcers, blood clots. There are classic and laser (not accompanied by incisions) techniques.
At the end of the operation, drug therapy is prescribed and compression stockings are recommended.
There are three main points in the list of rules that prevent the possible development of varicose veins: adherence to the principles of a healthy lifestyle, avoid tight clothing, uncomfortable shoes and a timely visit to the doctor.
For disease prevention, pregnant women should use a properly selected bandage, compression tights or socks.
During rehabilitation you should adhere to a healthy diet, perform the recommended set of exercises, take a contrast shower and undergo regular check-ups.
And most importantly: at the first suspicion of developing a disease you should immediately seek help from a phlebologist. Varicose veins, found in the initial stage, can be completely stopped without harm to health.